Banff Travel Forum

We came to Banff in Decemeber for a week, and loved it so much were thinking of coming back for the last week of May.

However, reading the web and this forum, we are a little confused about what it will be like, the weather and what will be open.

We were surprised to see ski packages as late as May 31st - considering the snow this winter, how likely are the resorts to be open by then? Would we get a chance to hit the slopes, and what will the conditions be like? (we were spoilt with fresh powder everyday in Dec).

What about wildlife? Any chance of seeing bears? or is it too early?

How busy? Whats good to go see at this time of year?

Thanks in advance!

Spring in the mountains is much different than winter. I grew up near Banff and the weather is unpredictable -- you could experience spring, summer, and winter all in one day. Fresh powder is unlikely, but there can be some great skiing in May. Ski runs might be limited, depending on how warm it's been. As for wildlife, I'm not sure when exactly the bears come out, but if you do see one make sure you stay well away from it. Mother's with cubs can be particularly dangerous if you get between them and their babies.
Hope that helps!

The spring skiing by May is getting a little slushy, don't count on any fresh powder. I'm not certain how late the hills will be open this year. I know that Castle Mountain Ski Resort (in the Crowsnest Pass - much south of Banff) closed for the season this week. They have had so much rain there in the last couple of weeks, that it wiped out the snow really fast. But, as I said, that's a long way from Banff/LL. The hills have certainly had lots of snow this year (17 feet at LL!), but it's been a pretty warm spring already too. So, that it a tough question to answer this year, I think.

As already stated, weather will be unpredictable. You will find businesses in Banff & LL stay open year round, and summer season "officially" kicks off with the Victoria Day weekend (third weekend in May) so all of the summer tours should be operational by the end of May.

One thing that won't be the best in May are the beautiful lakes that the Rockies are so well known for. The lakes will not be thawed until mid-June and even then they don't have that beautiful turquoise colour that they are so well know for. It takes at least until the end of June for the colour to reach its full potential in the lakes. Also hikes at higher elevations will still have snow. You should be able to do the lower elevation hikes, though.

The bears will certainly be "up" by the end of May, but the chances of seeing one in Banff are slim - there are too many people in the parks. I have never seen a bear within the park boundaries. I know some people do, but it is a rare occurence. Certainly the more remote you are (like hiking trails) the greater your chances of seeing any wildlife. But as already stated, you probably shouldn't be disappointed if you don't run into a bear while hiking in May. They are hungry, have babies and are a little grumpier in the spring.

The park should still be relatively uncrowded at the end of May. Peak season doesn't start until closer to the end of June, with July and August being the busiest months of the summer season.

I hope that helps.